Since I've read Warhammer Fantasy Battle 3rd edition rulebook and "Warhammer Armies" supplement, I dreamt about owning a Bretonnian army. Almost historical one but in the Old World style of course - exactly the kind shown by Dave Andrews on the "Armies" supplement pages. I lied to myself for a veeery long time that I will paint such an army one day. And, to be honest, I even tried once. When the fifth edition of WFB came out in 1996, I was overjoyed by a plastic Bretonnian miniatures, so I painted them. All six of them:) Add to this number two plastic henchmen which I've got in the very early nineties (didn't know then that these miniatures were from the "Advanced HeroQuest" game) and two more clearly unfinished miniatures (unfinished for more then 15 years I think, shame on me). And this is all my Bretonnian painted army so far... Nice results for 17 years... Well, to be honest I have much bigger force but it is unpainted of course. Honestly - I don't think I will ever paint them. Army has changed too much for my liking, its current look is much different then its first incarnation. But there are some really nice miniatures in the current range too...

And one more random thought - third edition of the game was much more logical in some aspects of the world. Take a look at the army of Dave Andrews - it looks more then a force from some poverty stricken land close to the Empire, then totally anachronic thing as it is now - with knights from the turn of XIV-XV century living just across the border with a late Renaissaince-style nation. One of the most stupid ideas in the Old World fluff:)

This Night Lord was born truly painfully - a lot of time has passed between basecoating this miniature and painting it. Well, time just before Christmas isn't exactly the best for painting miniatures, I think.

Paint scheme is the same as used on previously shown Raptor. I think that the standard CSM poses, available straight from the box, are little too bit on the static side. So, whenever I can, I try to alter them a little bit. This one was also sublty changed - simply removing a chainsword from a left arm and replacing it with a bolter was enough I think. Finished pose is much better I think, as it is more dynamic. I can see this Lord in my mind's eye, stalking through the darkness of the dark corridor, slowly, step by step... looking for the enemy. With the soft sound of dripping water in the distance, of course:).

Werewoolf Miniatures is one of the younger manufacturers of resin miniatures and bits on the wargaming market, starting just summer this year. From the very start Werewoolf Miniatures has released several really nice sets of miniatures and scenic bases, and its offer is constantly growing. Company produces miniatures for both fantasy and science fiction games.

- You came out literally from nowhere, it seems. Who stands behind Werewoolf Miniatures, whos the man behind the this name?

- Werewoolf has been made by a group of Roman Legionaries reenactors from Legio XXI Rapax. Centurion of this group, Cezar, and his better half, Daisy, are owners of the company:). But there is a whole team of the people, reenactors and game hobbyists alike, supporting them, of course. And name? Well, wolf is a symbol of Rome. There are many werewolves but our, Werewoolf with eyes in the name, is totally unique.

- Do you have any previous experience with making games or miniatures?

- Every person in our team has worked in a game store (some of those stores are no longer functioning) or has worked or sculpted for other Polish wargaming companies. The only exception is the owner of the company himself, Cezar. He is a very dedicated boardgames player, he owns a lot of such games – much more then his home can comfortably contain. Cezar spends most of his free time playing games with his friends (and he has a lot of friends).

- Everything has started from Marcin Szymański, our main sculptor. He has sculpted for Rapax some bangles first, then some small pieces of equipment and tools for field surgery. Then, with no apparent effort, he has made some busts of Roman gods. As it turned out, Marcin was accomplished wargaming sculptor already and, obviously, played a lot of games. When he has shown his models to wargamers in our Rapax group, decision has been made about estabilishing Werewoolf Miniatures.

- What was the biggest challenge so far, in these early days of the company?

- Well, there was a lot of challenges and there are many ahead of us yet – from the learning about technology involved, through the finding the right materials, to the gathering suitable artists – painters, graphics, photographers. But I think we have a great team right now.

Currently, our biggest challenge is to reach the bigger audience. This is both time and work consuming. But we really think that there impossible is nothing when one really loves his work and he is dedicated to it. No challenge is too scary.

- How do you select themes, style and character of your miniatures? They are quite distinctful I think.

- Well, we are rather limited for a time being with science-fiction miniatures, as we are working on our own game right now. So, we produce only these miniatures which will fit inside our game. We have much more options with fantasy models. Most of them are based on names and locations taken from our history – just altered to our needs.

- To bo honest, we don’t see other companies as competitors, especially Polish companies. Our wargaming world is pretty small, and most wargaming companies in Poland belong to the people we know and like. Besides – such companies are much longer on the market:) It is really hard to differentiate from their products – they are varied and excellent. But I think that there is one thing we differ a little bit – we don’t make just bits. We produce full models, which belong to the very specific place on the map of our „world”. And even if some sets of heads are being sold – we are certainly working on the rest of the models for them.

- So… What will you release in the near future? What is ready or almost ready to be shown to the world?

- Yep, we have some new things, of course. There will be a new unit of halbardiers for Son of Adramelech soon and a new weapon set for shield bearers from the same faction too. Then, soon enough, we will release a hero on the wolf and foot. Four new miniatures of Ogrowns (our sci-fi ogryns), six new sets of scenic bases and then a unit of light scouts Dvaregs from our sc-fi game. We have some more things but they should remain secret right now.

- Where we can buy your products now, both in Poland and abroad? I mean, both in brick and mortar stores and webstores. You still don’t run your own webstore, if I’m not mistaken?

- We plan to sell our products abroad mainly and we work really hard on our own webstore right now. Prices there won’t be different then our current ones and most certainly they will be the same and not lower then in these few retail stores which we cooperate right now. Our sets are currently available in Faber and Faber and Gnom Polish stores, another one, Battlebear, will receive some sets soon too. But our E-bay webstore is up and running and it is a great source of our products for all people from abroad.

- So, the next question is – what we will see in the future, say like half a year or something like that?

- We try to release new products on a constant, steady basis. There will be some new models for Ogres, Human Kingdoms and Undead soon, that’s for sure. And you can expect some more sci-fi models too, next dvaregs miniatures and orks and humans from Golden Star Alliance.

- You mentioned few times that Werewoolf Miniatures will try to release its own wargame. Could you tell us something more? Who is the author, what is the setting of the game. Some rules and release date maybe?

- Yes, we do plan to release our own science fiction wargame. It is still in the early stages of development, with a group of very talented people – graphic, rpg games designers, computer and boardgame players – working on the fluff side of things, describing its universe, laws and „feel” of the game. We would like to pay a special attention to the fluff. Speaking about release date… It would be crazy to give exact date so early but we are certain that this game won’t launch at least till the December next year. But all our sci-fi models are and will be perfectly compatible with it. And their names are not accidental:)

- And, last question. What kind of games do you play? How often? Would you describe yourselves as powergamers, fluff lovers or – maybe – just casual gamers, willing to socialise a little bit with friends, share a beer or two and play at the same time?

- Well, currently we don’t have time to play on powergaming level I’m afraid. Work, families, our reenactement business, toruneys… All of it takes a lot of time. But we manage to find a jiff or two sometimes, to play a boardgame, test new computer game, or – even – play a tabletop wargame. We do find time to even paint miniature or two sometimes:)

So, it is my great pleasure to announce that my "Ronin" bandit buntai is finally finished. Northstar Miniatures, painted in a rather relaxed way, as the miniatures itself are not super detailed... None the less I will probably use this producer's miniatures in the future, maybe for some small additions to this band - ninja, wandering monk, etc...

Third issue of "September 1939" magazine is dedicated to Polish light tracked tractor C2P. Magazine itself looks the same as previous issue. There is a description of battle from September 1939 (battle of 9. ID in Bory Tucholskie against German 3rd. Panzer Division, first part only). Main article in this issue covers light tracked tractors in Polish pre-war army, especially C2P. Text describes shortly genesis of these light vehicles in Polish army and - shortly - construction of C2P. I would like to read more about differences between TKS tanquette (which was the basis for the tractor) and C2P - all of them were summarised in just few sentences. Large part of the article describes units using C2P - giving name of the unit, name of its commander and some other short informations. Another two pages are dedicated to painting guide for the vehicle. There is a large color plate with side, top, rear and front of the vehicle shown and step by step painting guide.

Let's be honest - main attraction of the whole collection are models. The one bundled with third issue of "September 1939" magazine is Polish light tracked tractor C2P in 1:72 scale. This is fast assembly model - as both previous were and future will be.

Sprue contains 14 part, injection moulded in hard, khaki color plastic. There are some large parts, like upper and lower hull halves, tracks with wheels, etc. and some really small ones - tow hook is smaller then 2 mm I think. Quality is on par with TKS armed with 20 mm gun - in short, superb. Tiny details, like rivets, suspension springs, very delicate surface of the canvas cover are really nice. Model is moulded with interior too but there there are no crew miniatures.

I think this is really nice wargaming model of interesting vehicle - now we just have to wait for a 40 mm Bofors AA gun to have something to tow:)

Last, at last for a time being, miniature from my "Ronin" bandit bundai - the boss himself. This is certainly some fallem samurai, armed with katana and wearing excellent full armour. Well, one more thing shows that he is in charge here - he yells at the top of his lungs it seems.

This one was the most pleasant to paint miniature from the whole set even though lacing of the armour was problematic as it was with the previously shown ronin. I'm still satisfied with the final look though - especially considering that I paint with much larger brushes then usual and it takes some time to get used to it.

Time for my bi-weekly review of interesting, funny or just simply great wargaming and miniature painting related "things" - "Chosen from the week" number 86. And, as it is a good opportunity, I would love to get some insights from my readers. Insight regarding special issues of "Chosen from the week" wholly dedicated to just one subject - be it building modelling (with galleries, tutorials and source websites linked), face painting, German armour, etc. I'm really interested in your opinions - both regarding topics and frequency of publishing.

Ok. Today it is still old-style article of course.

Galleries:

- Let's start with something really, really good. Bonus point - it is from Poland:). TheBrushBrothers blog has been updated with a gallery of Fulgrim by ForgeWorld miniature. Figure was painted by Loler and RED and I think it is the best of Fulgrims I have seen so far. You can see photo of this masterpiece next to the Polish part of this note.

- Gallery of brillant old-schoold Chaos Knights - published on the Realm of Chaos blog by Nico. I love these old miniatures and here they are expertly painted. Magic of these old miniatures never dies I think. One of the knights is visible next to the English part of this article.

- Orlygg from Realm of Chaos 80 blog and his tiger face on the shield tutorial. Looks very eighties indeed (in a good meaning of course).

- Volomir is still converting and painting his High Elves army. This time he writes about Ellyrian Reavers and - again - it is a great article, full of insights into the techniqe of extremaly good painter. Must see in my opinion.

- Quidamcorvus runs his own excellent blog and writes his own skirmish game set in Warhammer universe - Warheim. He has wrote two excellent articles about starting this game. Unfortunately both are Polish only, anyway - here are the links - first article and second article.

- Two entries from Confessions of a 40K addict written by Dave Weston. Both contain downloadable paper models, ideal for printing out and making some suitably industrial and gothic buildings (first note, second note).

- And here you can see three evil trolls sculpted by Marcin Urmański. I'm pretty sure sculptor will sell some copies if you are interested in buying it. You can see photo of trolls under this note.

Freebies and interesting websites:

- English-language book written by Viacheslav Mironov about first Chechen war. I first found this book about ten years ago and I still remember it. Drastic, totally realistic story of Russian soldiers fightning in war on the border of the Russian empire. Nothing here is black and white, there are only greys. Shocking lecture, for adults only.

- Here you will find a Northstar Miniatures webzine. This is just a start of this enterprise but I think this online magazine will be really nice. It concentrates on the games supported by Northstar, such as Osprey wargaming series. Definitely something to add to your favourites I think.

And why not to check very old issue of "Chosen from the week" now? More specifically issue number twelve.

I would also like to remind that Quidamcorvus runs a similar series on his own blog (slightly more warhammercentric), you can check latest article here.

The Emperor knows there is darkness in the human soul that can never be brought into the light, an evil that must be crushed before it is seen, for knowledge of it would blight mankind and bring low his every endeavour. The Assassins protect the future of humanity by eliminating the few who become tainted with abomination, treachery, and other gross evils too heinous to name. They are like a fine needle that reaches to the heart of evil and punctures its rotten core. For every world that is led into rebellion by a treacherous Lord how many more are saved by the knife of an Assassin? How many more world would fall to Chaos and the eternal torment of damnation were it not for the poisoned cup and toxin dart? And how many worlds would suffer the cleansing fire of Exterminatus? None can answer these questions. The Assassins work silently and without thanks. They are the bloody-handed and secret saviours of the Imperium.

The Officio Assassinorum or Office of Assassins is one of the most secretive of all the Imperial organisations. Its leader is the Grand Master of the Officio Assassinorium, one of the most might of the High Lords of Terra. Only the High Lords themselves can sanction the deployment of the Assassins. It is said that in the distand past Grand Masters used Assassins to furhter their own ends, even murdering fellow High Lords in their bid for power. During the anarchy of the Wars of Vindication the Grand Master himself became the victim of an Assassin, and all persons of power and privilege lived in terror of their lives. Today it is only heretics who fear shadows in the dark, for the Assassin’s Blade has an instatiable thirst for the blood of traitors.

Assassins are recruited from the orphans of Imperial servants in the Schola Progenium. They have no family and are adopted instead into the hard and unforgiving structure of the Assassin Temples. Each Temple has its own ancient ways, its own traditions of murder and espionage, of death by an inifnity of subtle methods.

An Assassin’s body is his most powerful weapon. He can smash through steel with his hands and feet. He can climb sheer surfaces, leap gaping chasms, run as fast as the wind, and endure hardships that would kill a lesser man. None can withstand pain or hurt like an Assassin. An Assassin can place his hand in boiling water without flinching, he can endure flame or cutting blade. Even mortal wounds will not blunt his purpose.

One of the exotic pieces of equipment used by the Assassins is the synthetic skin or synskin. This is a rubbery layer which the Assassins spray onto their bodies, forming a close fitting suit which enhances the shape and function of the muscles below. Even items of equipment can be sealed in place by successive layers. Synskin acts like armour, absorbing the blows and dissipating the energy of the hit. Synskin also feeds the body with oxygen and metabolic booster chemicals. An Assassin wearing synskin can survive burning heat, freezing cold, or even the hard vacuum of space for a limited time.

Second to last of the miniatures from my band of Japanese robbers - and at the same time first true samurai, or maybe more accurately ronin. Both armed and armoured in best available gear. He fights with double handed sword called nodachi and his whole body is protected by excellent heavy armour lacking only face mask.

One of the most rewarding miniatures in the wholes set in terms of painting I think. I have had some problems with lacing, still I'm glad how this miniature turned out. I especially like the cloak.

And one curio - I started to paint with much bigger brush then before. This whole miniature was painted with a brush size 3 (as were all previously shown Japanese bandits). My standard earlier brush was 0 and 00 size.